I have a question, but i am not sure how to pose it...
When I get into situations where the control is out of my hands and out of my view, such as waiting for result of a job interview, I find that i do not know how best to compose my brain for the outcome?
What i mean by this... It's very easy to get caught up in superstiscious thoughts, and I worry that the way i think will affect the outcome. So what is the best way to think to have a positive result?
Try to think positively to influence the result?
Think negatively, hoping to avoid the dissapointment when the result is negative?
Put the whole thing to the back of my mind, meditate; and try not to think about it?
Think of quantum mechanics and know there is nothing you can do until you observe the event?
Believe in causality/fate and leave it for the gods to decide?
Pray to god/satan for a positive outcome?
Another side of this is do you tell anyone that you are waiting for a decision? In my experience the more people you tell about the situation, the less likely that there will be a positive outcome! Is it better to keep it to yourself?
I'm sure that someones philosophy has some guidance for me?
Full Version: help me produce a positive outcome!
hello Laz,
an interesting question. It's somewhat ironic that perhaps the world's most famous/infamous pessimist produced one of the most inspiring quotes: Schopenhauer's "Man can do what he wants, but not want what he wants".
But, more to the point at hand, in your case, sometimes a Stoic perspective, where you become unattached or distanced, is best. One way to achieve this is by noting that everything (at least all forms) pass away with time...this whole world as we know it will be devoured by time....all egos of today will be forgotten in the vastness of time. As such, what we're experiencing today can be likened to a mere dream, as something transitory, ephemeral, nothingness. This perspective allows you to easily disattach and free yourself from your experience, and to regard such things as upcoming interviews as trivial. Another example of Stoicism is exemplified by the concluding lines of Spinoza's Ethics:
"But human power is extremely limited, and is infinitely surpassed by the power of external causes; we have not, therefore, an absolute power of shaping to our use those things which are without us. Nevertheless, we shall bear with an equal mind all that happens to us in contravention to the claims of our own advantage, so long as we are conscious, that we have done our duty, and that the power which we possess is not sufficient to enable us to protect ourselves completely; remembering that we are a part of universal nature, and that we follow her order. If we have a clear and distinct understanding of this, that part of our nature which is defined by intelligence, in other words the better part of ourselves, will assuredly acquiesce in what befalls us, and in such acquiescence will endeavor to persist. "
Whether you adopt a Stoic perspective, or decide to regard upcoming events as more meaningful, the ability to persist in the face of adversity is a key trait to have and strengthen (if possible).
You can also take the way of confidence, taking it as a given that you can handle whatever comes your way, and that you needn't trouble your mind worrying about impending events (this does not mean neglecting preparation for upcoming events, though).
anyway, just some of my thoughts on the matter. I find the whole notion of adopting different perspectives to deal with particular situations fascinating, and believe that pragmatism is the best means for deciding which particular perspective to adopt for a particular situation.
take care,
Shawn
an interesting question. It's somewhat ironic that perhaps the world's most famous/infamous pessimist produced one of the most inspiring quotes: Schopenhauer's "Man can do what he wants, but not want what he wants".
But, more to the point at hand, in your case, sometimes a Stoic perspective, where you become unattached or distanced, is best. One way to achieve this is by noting that everything (at least all forms) pass away with time...this whole world as we know it will be devoured by time....all egos of today will be forgotten in the vastness of time. As such, what we're experiencing today can be likened to a mere dream, as something transitory, ephemeral, nothingness. This perspective allows you to easily disattach and free yourself from your experience, and to regard such things as upcoming interviews as trivial. Another example of Stoicism is exemplified by the concluding lines of Spinoza's Ethics:
"But human power is extremely limited, and is infinitely surpassed by the power of external causes; we have not, therefore, an absolute power of shaping to our use those things which are without us. Nevertheless, we shall bear with an equal mind all that happens to us in contravention to the claims of our own advantage, so long as we are conscious, that we have done our duty, and that the power which we possess is not sufficient to enable us to protect ourselves completely; remembering that we are a part of universal nature, and that we follow her order. If we have a clear and distinct understanding of this, that part of our nature which is defined by intelligence, in other words the better part of ourselves, will assuredly acquiesce in what befalls us, and in such acquiescence will endeavor to persist. "
Whether you adopt a Stoic perspective, or decide to regard upcoming events as more meaningful, the ability to persist in the face of adversity is a key trait to have and strengthen (if possible).
You can also take the way of confidence, taking it as a given that you can handle whatever comes your way, and that you needn't trouble your mind worrying about impending events (this does not mean neglecting preparation for upcoming events, though).
anyway, just some of my thoughts on the matter. I find the whole notion of adopting different perspectives to deal with particular situations fascinating, and believe that pragmatism is the best means for deciding which particular perspective to adopt for a particular situation.
take care,
Shawn
Thanks Shawn, I can really relate to this:
[quote]Man can do what he wants, but not want what he wants[/quote]
More often than not, if i don't want something to happen; it will happen, causing me to utter statements like, "just my luck", "typical" and "Well that's murphy's law for you"
[quote]Whether you adopt a Stoic perspective, or decide to regard upcoming events as more meaningful, the ability to persist in the face of adversity is a key trait to have and strengthen (if possible). [/quote]
My ego likes the facing oblivion and carrying on regardless option, something noble, honourable, and possibly English, about it :)
[quote/I find the whole notion of adopting different perspectives to deal with particular situations fascinating, and believe that pragmatism is the best means for deciding which particular perspective to adopt for a particular situation. [/quote]
I completely agree, although my ego finds it difficult to let go of the imaginary control.
Cheers
[quote]Man can do what he wants, but not want what he wants[/quote]
More often than not, if i don't want something to happen; it will happen, causing me to utter statements like, "just my luck", "typical" and "Well that's murphy's law for you"
[quote]Whether you adopt a Stoic perspective, or decide to regard upcoming events as more meaningful, the ability to persist in the face of adversity is a key trait to have and strengthen (if possible). [/quote]
My ego likes the facing oblivion and carrying on regardless option, something noble, honourable, and possibly English, about it :)
[quote/I find the whole notion of adopting different perspectives to deal with particular situations fascinating, and believe that pragmatism is the best means for deciding which particular perspective to adopt for a particular situation. [/quote]
I completely agree, although my ego finds it difficult to let go of the imaginary control.
Cheers
Hi Laz, I see you have taken the position of moderator, I trust you will fill the position with wisdom and compassion.
I would like some information about your field of meditation and what it is that you use to meditate, and your point of focus.
In my own experience when dealing with possible futures, the thought process can undermine the desire when the thoughts are filled with self defeating programs that are running below the surface.
Taking any kind of position is like running an affirmation. While the mind tries to set an idea into place the focus may be on the intent for as long as the thought is in place but once the mind disengages from that idea, then what?
[quote]In my experience the more people you tell about the situation, the less likely that there will be a positive outcome! Is it better to keep it to yourself?
[/quote]
This is an idea that runs below the surface of the desire to have what you want. Even though you know its not realistic it still pops up in your reality as a beleif and that belief continues to support the reality in experience.
All programs in judgment are learned. All programs that are self defeating are learned, and accepted as truth by you.
We think some 100,000 thoughts per day. Most of these thoughts are the whirling about of these subconscious self defeating programs about our selves and the world.
Meditation to still the mind is not just a way to unstress and find quiet time in our day but to take us into the experience of the absolute.
Here one can experience the nature of the Self and all realities. Subjectively the experience of it will change, but the absolute itself never changes. The more one dives into it the more one expands. The more one expands the less real the limited boundaries of the personality are because nothing limited can cling to the unlimited.
The mind can only effectively do one thing at a time.
I know we have all experienced multi-tasking at the thought level and this is what most think is normal, but if you look at the absolute as a still pond, what you drop into it has a ripple effect as it expands out into the universe, this is called Rtam Bhara Prajna. This rtam effect is the natural effect of thought dropped into the unmanifest to make manifest. The nature of the universe is to provide what you desire. If your level of thinking is limited then the nature of your universe reflects that.
Thinking 100,000 thoughts per day is like dropping a shitload of pebbles into the pond. Some of these thoughts counter each other as opposing waves and ripples running in different directions and cancel each other out.
Example: I want a Job but if I tell some people about wanting the job I won't get it. A desire is stated and there are these thoughts and beliefs that have already been put in place to give you reason to believe why and how it can't happen.
Part of the process of choice to overcome self defeating thoughts and beliefs is to recognize that they aren't real but they have to be replaced with something greater than the dual thoughts of this isn't real and this is.
By trying to change the bad for the good the mind still supports both and nothing changes other than the surface thoughts about what is real. Meanwhile the self defeating ideas are waiting like a hungry tiger ready to pounce on the opposing thought.
Your meditation should not only give you an experience of rest, relaxation and peace, but take you into the experience of the absolute so that you can put your awareness into it at all times. If you have that as your point of reference and you continue to give it your attention all root stresses and foundations of beliefs that are self defeating and limit you, naturally fall away and dissolve, effortlessly. The only effort is the exchange of one thought for another. The effect is cumulative, it grows extremely fast and all of life changes around you in experience and perspective.
Experiences come and go, to follow the surface ideas to experience who you are is a never ending process.
As Shawn has said in the past no one has experienced the ultimate experience of the Self because there is no such thing. There will always be another experience even greater than the last to replace it and since the nature of the infinite self is infinite it will never stop if you continue to follow the ideas of what you can experience.
You can experience the nature of the Self in its infinite potential all the way to Krisna/God consciousness, being purely God, but it is not by moving outward into creation that you do this and certainly not by making creation more solid and real than you that has created it.
All desires can be fulfilled. If you wish a new sun to appear in the sky so it shall be, but first you will have to rise above the beliefs that victimize you by your creation around you.
Your awareness that these thoughts that are limited are not real is a step towards that. The processes that are available to self realize are infinite, yet some are slower than others, and some take lifetimes.
All desires are initiated at the level of the heart, but they are colored by root stresses and beliefs in reality. The heart is never separate from its Self and the Bliss of the Self is in Union with its Self/God in all things. As soon as it becomes separate from anything then there is suffering. All desires lead back to the One desire, Union with Self and the Infinite One.
No thing is separate in your creation from that. Part of your choice can be to unite with all of its forms in manifestation. Getting a job or not getting a job is irrelevant. These things you create around you are pathways back to eternal happiness. As you build on these ideas as with meditation it drives you deeper into the Self and further from separation, duality, Ego and hell.
I would like some information about your field of meditation and what it is that you use to meditate, and your point of focus.
In my own experience when dealing with possible futures, the thought process can undermine the desire when the thoughts are filled with self defeating programs that are running below the surface.
Taking any kind of position is like running an affirmation. While the mind tries to set an idea into place the focus may be on the intent for as long as the thought is in place but once the mind disengages from that idea, then what?
[quote]In my experience the more people you tell about the situation, the less likely that there will be a positive outcome! Is it better to keep it to yourself?
[/quote]
This is an idea that runs below the surface of the desire to have what you want. Even though you know its not realistic it still pops up in your reality as a beleif and that belief continues to support the reality in experience.
All programs in judgment are learned. All programs that are self defeating are learned, and accepted as truth by you.
We think some 100,000 thoughts per day. Most of these thoughts are the whirling about of these subconscious self defeating programs about our selves and the world.
Meditation to still the mind is not just a way to unstress and find quiet time in our day but to take us into the experience of the absolute.
Here one can experience the nature of the Self and all realities. Subjectively the experience of it will change, but the absolute itself never changes. The more one dives into it the more one expands. The more one expands the less real the limited boundaries of the personality are because nothing limited can cling to the unlimited.
The mind can only effectively do one thing at a time.
I know we have all experienced multi-tasking at the thought level and this is what most think is normal, but if you look at the absolute as a still pond, what you drop into it has a ripple effect as it expands out into the universe, this is called Rtam Bhara Prajna. This rtam effect is the natural effect of thought dropped into the unmanifest to make manifest. The nature of the universe is to provide what you desire. If your level of thinking is limited then the nature of your universe reflects that.
Thinking 100,000 thoughts per day is like dropping a shitload of pebbles into the pond. Some of these thoughts counter each other as opposing waves and ripples running in different directions and cancel each other out.
Example: I want a Job but if I tell some people about wanting the job I won't get it. A desire is stated and there are these thoughts and beliefs that have already been put in place to give you reason to believe why and how it can't happen.
Part of the process of choice to overcome self defeating thoughts and beliefs is to recognize that they aren't real but they have to be replaced with something greater than the dual thoughts of this isn't real and this is.
By trying to change the bad for the good the mind still supports both and nothing changes other than the surface thoughts about what is real. Meanwhile the self defeating ideas are waiting like a hungry tiger ready to pounce on the opposing thought.
Your meditation should not only give you an experience of rest, relaxation and peace, but take you into the experience of the absolute so that you can put your awareness into it at all times. If you have that as your point of reference and you continue to give it your attention all root stresses and foundations of beliefs that are self defeating and limit you, naturally fall away and dissolve, effortlessly. The only effort is the exchange of one thought for another. The effect is cumulative, it grows extremely fast and all of life changes around you in experience and perspective.
Experiences come and go, to follow the surface ideas to experience who you are is a never ending process.
As Shawn has said in the past no one has experienced the ultimate experience of the Self because there is no such thing. There will always be another experience even greater than the last to replace it and since the nature of the infinite self is infinite it will never stop if you continue to follow the ideas of what you can experience.
You can experience the nature of the Self in its infinite potential all the way to Krisna/God consciousness, being purely God, but it is not by moving outward into creation that you do this and certainly not by making creation more solid and real than you that has created it.
All desires can be fulfilled. If you wish a new sun to appear in the sky so it shall be, but first you will have to rise above the beliefs that victimize you by your creation around you.
Your awareness that these thoughts that are limited are not real is a step towards that. The processes that are available to self realize are infinite, yet some are slower than others, and some take lifetimes.
All desires are initiated at the level of the heart, but they are colored by root stresses and beliefs in reality. The heart is never separate from its Self and the Bliss of the Self is in Union with its Self/God in all things. As soon as it becomes separate from anything then there is suffering. All desires lead back to the One desire, Union with Self and the Infinite One.
No thing is separate in your creation from that. Part of your choice can be to unite with all of its forms in manifestation. Getting a job or not getting a job is irrelevant. These things you create around you are pathways back to eternal happiness. As you build on these ideas as with meditation it drives you deeper into the Self and further from separation, duality, Ego and hell.
Laz, I once asked the same question a tibetan master. He said:
"Thoughts do not create any karma and thoughts have no effect and no consequence. They are only waste products of the mind. Only action creates karma."
A paradox intervention, maybe, or a strategy to relax the mind. But it works. So if you want a happy outcome for a job interview, focus on your actions. Focus on being with the other person, on kindness, on the contact, the conversation and let your thoughts forget themselves...
LOVE
PJ
"Thoughts do not create any karma and thoughts have no effect and no consequence. They are only waste products of the mind. Only action creates karma."
A paradox intervention, maybe, or a strategy to relax the mind. But it works. So if you want a happy outcome for a job interview, focus on your actions. Focus on being with the other person, on kindness, on the contact, the conversation and let your thoughts forget themselves...
LOVE
PJ
Laz,
Good show. You are on the way by looking intently at the problem and sharing it consciously. It is the unconscious rumenations that make you doubt yourself.
PJ is a jewel. a multi faceted jewel, and I am not trying to just make out with her.
Get out of your own point of existance. That is where the freedom is.
If you think too much on yourself you might turn into a pompous bore with one song that you sing.
We have many variants to who we are.
Thinking is a learned trick.
Walk. Go see a good play. Help someone. Take an impossible problem and try to design an answer to it.
Take a moderator's job....whoops.
Go on five job interviews. Tell everyone about it until the tension is out of the air.
Challenge Dan to a duel.
Try not to feel dumb around Timothy.
Figure out Shawn and what he is up to. Make him laugh and cry. (Tell him to talk to me about holograms and other views.)
Be careful of side effects. Not only substances, but also negative people. The job of a negative person is to pull you down to their level.
Figure out what you were denied when you were a child and get it or do it.
Laughter is something that comes to you from doing the right thing.
Good show. You are on the way by looking intently at the problem and sharing it consciously. It is the unconscious rumenations that make you doubt yourself.
PJ is a jewel. a multi faceted jewel, and I am not trying to just make out with her.
Get out of your own point of existance. That is where the freedom is.
If you think too much on yourself you might turn into a pompous bore with one song that you sing.
We have many variants to who we are.
Thinking is a learned trick.
Walk. Go see a good play. Help someone. Take an impossible problem and try to design an answer to it.
Take a moderator's job....whoops.
Go on five job interviews. Tell everyone about it until the tension is out of the air.
Challenge Dan to a duel.
Try not to feel dumb around Timothy.
Figure out Shawn and what he is up to. Make him laugh and cry. (Tell him to talk to me about holograms and other views.)
Be careful of side effects. Not only substances, but also negative people. The job of a negative person is to pull you down to their level.
Figure out what you were denied when you were a child and get it or do it.
Laughter is something that comes to you from doing the right thing.
[quote]"Thoughts do not create any karma and thoughts have no effect and no consequence. They are only waste products of the mind.[/quote]
This is true. Thoughts do not create karma, desire does.
Thoughts are the byproducts of beliefs that are the platform of the constructing program that maintains illusions in limitations and separation from the Self and fear.
The field of action is the burning of karma
This is true. Thoughts do not create karma, desire does.
Thoughts are the byproducts of beliefs that are the platform of the constructing program that maintains illusions in limitations and separation from the Self and fear.
The field of action is the burning of karma
Thanks guys ;D I have a lump in my throat right now, Your unity of thought on this is an unexpected delight ;)
I would like to summarise, for my own benefit, all of your comments into one phrase, and please correct me if i'm wrong here:
Thoughts are misleading, go with your feelings; don't think something is true, know something is true.
To pick up a number of comments you made:
Joe: [quote]Hi Laz, I see you have taken the position of moderator, I trust you will fill the position with wisdom and compassion.[/quote]
Thanks Joe, i will try my best
Synchronox: [quote]Take a moderator's job....whoops. [/quote]
I'm trying desperately to read into this the meaning, but there's not enough here for me to make a definate judgement, I hope i haven't offended you ???
Joe: [quote]I would like some information about your field of meditation and what it is that you use to meditate, and your point of focus. [/quote]
My field of meditation? As with many things i am still a beginner here. I would like to share with you some of my experiences, however i 'don't feel that this is the thread for it.
My meditation techniques, if you can call them that, mainly come from a book I read on astral projection when I was a teenager. I use a Coffin position (yoga term i think) and start with a mantra or my own personal variation which i would call; take the needle off the record.
Then I will try to ground myself with a technique i think is called connecting, imagining the flows of energy flowing through my body. Then if i haven't fallen asleep by this point I try some deep centering which is where i have had some interesting things happen!
I generally use it to get to sleep when my brain won't stop, but occasionally I meditate to try and find a new experience. For a while i was having some crystal work done on me, that was pretty weird.
I would like to summarise, for my own benefit, all of your comments into one phrase, and please correct me if i'm wrong here:
Thoughts are misleading, go with your feelings; don't think something is true, know something is true.
To pick up a number of comments you made:
Joe: [quote]Hi Laz, I see you have taken the position of moderator, I trust you will fill the position with wisdom and compassion.[/quote]
Thanks Joe, i will try my best
Synchronox: [quote]Take a moderator's job....whoops. [/quote]
I'm trying desperately to read into this the meaning, but there's not enough here for me to make a definate judgement, I hope i haven't offended you ???
Joe: [quote]I would like some information about your field of meditation and what it is that you use to meditate, and your point of focus. [/quote]
My field of meditation? As with many things i am still a beginner here. I would like to share with you some of my experiences, however i 'don't feel that this is the thread for it.
My meditation techniques, if you can call them that, mainly come from a book I read on astral projection when I was a teenager. I use a Coffin position (yoga term i think) and start with a mantra or my own personal variation which i would call; take the needle off the record.
Then I will try to ground myself with a technique i think is called connecting, imagining the flows of energy flowing through my body. Then if i haven't fallen asleep by this point
I try some deep centering which is where i have had some interesting things happen! I generally use it to get to sleep when my brain won't stop, but occasionally I meditate to try and find a new experience. For a while i was having some crystal work done on me, that was pretty weird.
Laz,
Please take my comment in the light hearted vein that I meant it in.
I am delighted that you are moderator. It is one of the ways to get out of your own dilemma. It helps to seperate you out from what is projected on you, for instance. It was an excellent move.
I hope you prosper in the position.
Best to you,
John
Please take my comment in the light hearted vein that I meant it in.
I am delighted that you are moderator. It is one of the ways to get out of your own dilemma. It helps to seperate you out from what is projected on you, for instance. It was an excellent move.
I hope you prosper in the position.
Best to you,
John
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